2012 Michigan State key players

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Sept. 15: at Michigan State

At 6-foot-7 and weighing 280 pounds, defensive end William Gholston is a freak of an athlete. Last year he was named to the All-Big Ten second team by leading the Spartan defensive lineman with 70 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and five sacks. Gholston will lead a strong returning Spartan defense at home against the Irish.

Sept. 15: at Michigan State

Some say Kirk Cousins was the best QB that Michigan State has ever had, creating big shoes for Andrew Maxwell to fill. The fourth-year passer has spent the past two seasons backing up Cousins and has a solid grasp of the MSU offense. Although the two are similar in size, the Michigan State staff claim Maxwell is more athletic.

Sept. 15: at Michigan State

Le'Veon Bell took the bulk of the carries as a sophomore and led the team with 13 touchdowns and 948 total yards. Considering that almost every playmaker on offense either graduated or left for the NFL, the powerful and explosive Bell will be heavily relied upon to keep the chains moving.